Green Initiatives

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa recognizes that sustainability is not just about writing a policy, it’s a way of life.

We value the health of our community and our planet and will work to constantly improve our energy, resource, and water use, as well as minimize our waste disposal.

As part of our journey towards sustainability, we have achieved Silver Level Certification from Green Seal (www.greenseal.org), a non-profit organization committed to environmental standard setting, product certification, and public education. In addition, the Club at Savannah Harbor has achieved Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification (www.acspgolf.auduboninternational.org), which is administered by Audubon International for success in environmental stewardship.

RECENT NEWS:

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Proves to Be One of the Greenest Hotels in the US:The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa has been awarded Green Seal™ Silver level certification. With this certification The Westin Savannah Harbor has proven its dedication to environmental stewardship. The Green Seal Standard for Hotels and Lodging Properties, GS-33, is one of the most robust environmental standards in the hospitality industry. In order to receive certification, a hotel must meet and adhere to stringent guidelines set out by the standard. These include requirements in waste management, energy efficiency, water conservation, wastewater management and green procurement.

Environmental MissionTo strike a balance between business goals and environmental and cultural stewardship

Steering CommitteeThe Sustainability Council serves as the steering committee for sustainable decisions. The council members are fluent in the initiatives at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, and work to ensure that the policy is maintained and future goals are met.

Waste Reduction Initiatives

Recycling bins are available throughout the Resort in public areas and each guest room. Single-stream recycling means that items do not need to be separated or sorted. Recyclable items include paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and tin

Reduced packaging used when possible, such as bulk soap dispensers in public restrooms and recyclable amenity bottles for guests

Sale and donation of used furniture, paint and appliances to local non-profit agencies

Heavenly Bed™mattresses include a zip-on pillow top. This portion can be refreshed without replacement of entire mattress

Confidential document shredding and recycling

Sustainable meetings include use of white boards, bulk condiments and energy-efficient digital signage, use of eMenus, eProposals and digital contracts

Pest control and dry cleaning service providers utilize the least-toxic methods available, and non-chemical methods are used when appropriate

Cooling tower has been converted to a chemical-free system, allowing used water to be used for landscaping or to enter storm drains without harm to the environment

Miscellaneous and Future Initiatives

Purchase local seafood and local organic vegetables when available, sustainable banquet menus available with free-range chicken, seasonal and signature South Georgia ingredients, such as Wild Georgia Shrimp

No aluminum used for cooking

Use of herbs grown in an on-site herb garden

Chiller optimization project will control chilled water flow based on external data (due in 2013)

Upgraded lighting dimmer system will include occupancy sensors for meeting rooms (due by 2013)

Heavenly Spa™ retail products have been selected with packaging and ingredients as a priority; priori line uses recyclable packaging and Farmhouse Fresh line has biodegradable packaging

Purchasing Policies

When environmentally friendly products are available through corporate procurement, they are tested and selected over less environmentally-friendly alternatives

Life cycle cost and certifications are considered when purchasing products

Environmentally responsible service providers are preferred

The Sustainability Council sets and reviews goals for each of the above areas on an annual basis, ensuring that ongoing improvement occurs